Champions don't show up to get everything they want; they show up to give everything they have.

The disruptions to 2020 have been felt keenly by many, so this week’s Sports Awards evening could easily have been a subdued affair, with stories on unfulfilled ambitions and reflections on ‘what could have been’. Yet, such is the spirit of our SMC Champions, the evening was a joyous one, a genuine celebration of the endeavour and the excellence of our girls.

The number of current students and Old Girls who were recognised for their contribution to SMC Sport as coaches, managers and officials was remarkable, and a testament to the atmosphere of encouragement and service we aspire to foster across the school.

Nelson Mandela said, “Sport has the power to change the world. It has the power to inspire. It has the power to unite people in a way that little else does. It speaks to youth in a language they understand. Sport can create hope where once there was only despair”.

This observation certainly came to life this year as involvement in SMC Sport supported our girls and our community through some challenging times. Being involved in the wider life of SMC offers many opportunities for our girls to grow, encourages the development of positive, healthy habits that will help set our girls up for success beyond SMC. It is our hope these sporting experiences will stay with them, and that an active lifestyle and desire to support others to perform at their best will continue to be hallmarks of our Old Girls.